how to get paid from a customer.. i searched

I live in the great state of NJ... I had this customer who was great until this season and they slowly started slacking on payment.. Late June they wanted the river rock taken out of their flower beds and topsoil/mulch filled in.. no big deal... i do it and mow & blow the lawn.. This guy avoids me ever since that day, always has an excuse to be not around, or out, vacation, etc etc... Around september or so i just stop trying to get in touch with him... i was just really getting overly annoyed with the situation...Well the season is slowing down and i really would like to get whats mine. Im trying not to get bothered about it and get worked up anymore, i just want the $$ owed... What to do next? I was in his area the other day and drove by and saw that someone must of raked and bagged the leaves, ugh!

Go to your states web site and find out about your laws concerning "property liens"

If you don't have a written contract, you'll probably be hooped.
There is generally a time limit on filing after an account is late.
Where I am it is 45 days past the date on the invoice. So, if my clients haven't paid after thirty days, I only have another two weeks to file the Builder's Lien.
We cannot recoup court costs or filing costs either.
You should also look up small claims court.

Go to your states web site and find out about your laws concerning "property liens"

If you don't have a written contract, you'll probably be hooped.
There is generally a time limit on filing after an account is late.
Where I am it is 45 days past the date on the invoice. So, if my clients haven't paid after thirty days, I only have another two weeks to file the Builder's Lien.
We cannot recoup court costs or filing costs either.
You should also look up small claims court.

Personally, I think you will never see that money. Sorry.

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i feel the same way- i would of stopped the other day but they werent home, might call from an unknown number or just show up i guess...

What time does he leave for work? Post up in front of his house each morning for a week with your truck and trailer so all the neighbors realize he isn't paying you. He!!, I'd ask every neighbor that lives within sight of his yard "what time he/she leaves/gets home from work every day"? Just make sure you let them know that you are the landscaper and you can't get a hold of them.

-Michael

There is an Old Blue Chair for each and every one of us, we just have to find it.

What time does he leave for work? Post up in front of his house each morning for a week with your truck and trailer so all the neighbors realize he isn't paying you. He!!, I'd ask every neighbor that lives within sight of his yard "what time he/she leaves/gets home from work every day"? Just make sure you let them know that you are the landscaper and you can't get a hold of them.

-Michael

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That is not a bad idea. Most of the neighbors seen me there- or the trucks & equipment or gave me a wave... he's is an "older" guy and a veteran so im really trying to respect that, I dont want to come off threatening( i had a issue last month w/ a deadbeat and had to block his truck just to talk to him). It seems to be a trend to try to screw the lawn guy-

I have got in touch with 2 people that owe me money. One yesterday while he was hanging christmas lights, and one today via phone. I told them i needed what i was owed. The guy hanging lights acted like i never came up and continued his lighting, then explained he had spent the money and he was sorry(while his wife looking at him) and he could pay me 1st thing thursday morning..ok... next person i contact wants to reason and he will send me X because thats fair, whats my address... No way. I reply i will take X today if u come and deliver it today to me(cash) and that will be the end of it. Im not sure if its the economy, my area, me, holidays or what.....

How about dumping the river rock you took out at the end of his driveway? Or at least telling him that is what you are going to do if you are not paid by such and such date. Obviously he feels he does not owe you since he is not paying you. You must not have had an agreement so you will just "return" the river rock. Sounds like fun to me!